Page 401 - Design for Environment A Guide to Sustainable Product Development

376 Gl o ssar y

Biotechnology A set of biological techniques, including but not limited to
genetic modification, which utilize living organisms for industrial, agri -
cultural and pharmaceutical applications.
Brand equity An intangible value-added aspect of particular goods other-
wise not considered unique.
Brominated compounds Bromine-based compounds often used as fire re -
tardants, particularly in textiles and polymers. Some brominated compounds
have been identified as persistent, bioaccumulative, and toxic.
Business case A rationale for making a business decision, usually involving
quantitative analysis of costs, benefits and trade-offs.

By-product Secondary or residual product of an industrial process, with
potential economic value.
By-product synergy The conversion of industrial process wastes into by -
products that can become feedstocks for other processes, organized through
collaboration between waste generators and waste utilizers.
Capital Economic capital is something owned that provides ongoing
services, including land, durable investment goods, physical structures, and
equipment. (See also Natural capital, Human capital.)
Carbon footprint Estimate of the total greenhouse gas emissions associated
with an enterprise or activity, including direct and indirect emissions. The
boundaries of indirect emissions included can vary considerably.
Carcinogenic Capacity to cause cancer in humans. Many substances are
considered “suspect” carcinogens based on limited evidence from animal or
in vitro studies.
Cash flow Earnings before depreciation, amortization and non-cash charges
(sometimes called cash earnings).
Cellulosic ethanol An advanced biofuel produced by converting the starch
extracted from cellulose (derived from plant materials) into sugars and
fermenting the sugars into ethanol.
Certified Approved or qualified by an independent third party according
to predefined criteria. Products, services, or management systems can be
certified.
Chlorinated compounds Substances that contain chlorine molecules, such as
carbon tetrachloride. Some chlorinated compounds have been identified as
persistent, bioaccumulative, and toxic.
Chronic Chronic exposures refer to long-duration, low-intensity human
exposures to chemical, physical, or biological hazards. Chronic disease
effects generally have a delayed onset and may last for years.
Climate change See Global warming.
Code of conduct A set of principles governing the behavior and business
practices of a company or other organization, often addressing issues such
as business ethics and responsible governance.